Carcinoma of the prostate, Where are we?

The development in staging of carcinoma of the prostate from the traditional A, B, C, D, or 1, 2, 3, 4, to the present A1, A2, B1, B2, C, D1, D2, is presented. This allows more specific treatment with a better prognosis. In addition, newer diagnostic procedures such as pelvic lymphadenectomy, the more sensitive acid phosphatase determination, using radio-immuno assays, counter-immuno electrophoresis, and solid phase immuno-fluorometric assay, the use of CAT scan, and transrectal ultrasonography for early cancer spread detection and follow-up treatment. The current concept in treatment is radical surgery with pelvic lymphadenectomy in the early stages, external radiation, interstitial irradiation with I125, hormone treatment, and cytotoxic chemotherapy for the late stages.